1H-5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines

ABSTRACT

Novel 1H-1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives bearing a lower alkylthio substituent in the 2-position are disclosed. These 2lower alkylthio-1H-1,4-benzodiazepines are useful as musclerelaxant, anti-convulsant and sedative agents.

United States Patent [1 1 Earley etal.

[ 51 Feb. 25, 1975 lH-5-PHENYL-1,4-BENZODIAZEPINES [75] Inventors: James Valentine Earley, Cedar Grove; Rodney Ian Fryer, North Caldwell; Armin Walser, West Caldwell, all of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Hoffmann-LaRoche lnc., Nutley,

[22] Filed: June 5, 1974 [21] App]. No.: 476,353

[52] US. Cl. 260/239 BD, 260/239.3 D, 424/244 [51] Int. Cl C07d 53/06 [58] Field of Search 260/239 BD [56] References Cited FQREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,047,799 11/1966 Great Britain 260/239 BD Primary Examiner-Alton D. Rollins Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Samuel L. Welt; Bernard S. Leon; Frank P. Hoffman 2 Claims, N0 Drawings 1 lI-I-S-PHENYL-l,4-BENZODIAZEPINES This is a division of application Ser. No. l87,836, filed Oct. 8, I971.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to 2-substituted 1,4- benzodiazepines. More particularly, this invention covers lH-l ,4-benzodiazepines substituted in the 2- position with a lower alkylthio group. The invention further comprchcnds processes for making these novel hcnzodiazcpines.

More specifically, the compounds of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula wherein R and R are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl, cyano, amino, nitro, di-lower alkylamino, and lower alkoxy;

R is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, and di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl;

R, is lower alkyl;

R is hydrogen or lower alkyl;

R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl, nitro and lower alkoxy and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

As used herein. the term lower alkyl" either alone or in combination refers to straight and branched chain hydrocarbon groups containing from I to 7, preferably from 1-4, carbon atoms, such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, butyl and the like. The term lower alkenyl includes straight and branched chain hydrocarbon groups containing from 2-7 carbon atoms, wherein at least one carbon to carbon bond is unsaturated, such as allyl, butenyl, and the like. The term lower alkynyl" refers to groups such as propargyl and the like. The term cycloalkyl-lower alkyl refers to groups such as cyclopropyl-methyl, cyclobutyl-ethyl and the like. The term halogen refers to all four forms thereof, i.e. bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine. The term lower alkanoyl includes the acyl residue of lower alkanoic acids, preferably containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, for example, acetyl, propionyl, and the like. The term flower alkoxy designates straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbonoxy groups containing from I to 7 carbon atoms, preferably from I to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and the like.

A preferred class of compounds falling within the scope of formula I above are those wherein R, signifies hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl or nitro and is located at the 7-position of the benzodiazepine moiety. R is hydrogen, and R is hydrogen or halogen and is located in the 2-position of the S-phenyl ring, i.e. compounds of the formula Another preferred class of compounds falling within the scope of formula Iabove are those wherein the R substituent is lower alkyl or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl, i.e. compounds of the formula SR R ,1, i

2 R R5 Ib wherein R signifies lower alkyl or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl and R R and R,R are as described above. The most preferred of the compounds of formula I above are:

5-(2-chlorophenyl)- l -methyl-2-methylthio-7-nitro-l H- 1,4-benzodiazepine; 7-chloro1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-l H-l ,4-

benzodiazepine; 7-chloro-2-ethylthio-5-( 2-fluorophenyl)- 1 -methyl-] H- l,4-benzodiazepine; and 7-chloro-1-(2-diethylamin0ethyl)-5-(2-fluorophenyl)- Z-methylthiol H- l ,4-benzodiazepine. The compounds of formula I above can be prepared by treating the corresponding thione of the formula f s R N c a 2 V II R5 I 1 wherein R,-R R and R are as described above with an appropriate alkylating agent.

The alkylation of the thione of formula ll is expediently carried out by first converting said compound to its alkali metal salt, preferably the sodium salt. Conversion of the compound of formula ll to its alkali metal salt is effected, for example, by reacting said compound with an alkali metal base. Suitable bases for this purpose include alkali metal alkoxides, such as sodium methoxide, potassium t-butoxide and the like, and alkali metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride and the like. Preparation of the alkali metal salt of the compound of formula II is preferably effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as an aromatic hydrocarbon, i.e. benzene, toluene and the like, dimethylformaniide (DMF) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tetrahydrofuran. Use of an inert organic solvent like DMF is preferred since solvents of this type can also be utilized in the alkylation step, thus eliminating the necessity of first isolating the alkali metal salt.

The alkali metal salt of a compound of formula ll is then treated with an appropriate alkylating agent. Representative of the alkylating agents useful for these purposes include alkyl halides, such as methyl iodide, ethyl iodide and the like, and alkyl sulfates, such as methyl sulfate; with alkyl halides being the preferred alkylating agents.

As indicated above, the alkylation reaction is preferably effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Temperature and pressure are not critical to the process so that for the sake of convenience the reaction is preferably effected at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

The compounds of formula II above used as the starting materials for this process aspect are known or can be prepared in analogy to the preparation of the known compounds. Thus, for example, the compounds of formula ll above may be prepared by treating a corresponding compound of the formula wherein R -R R and R are as described above with a sulfide, such as phosphorus pentasulfide, preferably using the sulfide in'excess. The reaction is expediently effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as pyridine, xylene and the like, with pyridine being the preferred solvent, and at a temperature of from about 40C to the reflux temperature of the reaction medium.

The compounds of formula I above can be oxidized to yield a mixture of the corresponding sulfoxide of the formula C-R IV R 5 wherein R,-R are as described above and sulfone of the formula g R /i n R, v R R wherein R R are as described above, each of which can be isolated and crystallized from the reaction mixture.

The compounds of formulae IV and V above are novel compounds and as such form a part of the present invention. The oxidation of a formula I compound to yield compounds of formulae IV and V above is preferably effected inthe presence of an inert organic solvent such as a chlorinated hydrocarbon, for example. dichloromethane. Suitable oxidizing agents for this process aspect include peroxides. such as hydrogen peroxidc. or pcracids, such as pcracetic acid. pcrhcnzoic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid. and the like. with mchloropcrbenzoic acid being the preferred oxidizing agent. Temperature and pressure are not critical to this process aspect and for the sake of convenience it is preferable to perform the reaction at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

"The compounds of formula I above can be desulfurized by selective reduction to yield the corresponding 1H compounds of the formula wherein R R;,, R and R are as described above.

The compounds of formula VI above are novel and as such form a part of this invention. The reduction of the formula I compound is accomplished with Raney nickel in the presence of an organic base such as diethylamine, triethylamine, and the like. The reaction can be effected at room temperature or above or below room temperature. It is preferable to effect this reduction in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as acetone, ethanol dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, benzene and the like.

The novel compounds of formula VI above can alternately be prepared by dehydrating a compound of the general formula wherein R -R R and R are as described above.

The dehydration of the compound offormula VII can be effected by treating said compound with any suitable reagent that will effect the elimination of water from the alcohol, for example, mesyl chloride, tosyl chloride, thionyl chloride and phosphorus oxychloride. When the dehydrating agent employed is a halide such .as mesyl chloride, tosyl chloride, thionyl chloride,

phosphorus oxychloride and the like, this reaction is conducted in the presence of an acid acceptor, preferably pyridine. The dehydration reaction is expediently effected at a temperature from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, and in the presence ofan inert organic solvent such as an aromatic hydrocarbon, i.c. benzene, pyridine and the like.

Further. the compounds of formula VI may be prepared by the elimination of the leaving group from a compound of the formula VIII wherein R R R and R are as described above and R signifies a suitable leaving group selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfonyl, preferably mesyl, and arylsulfonyl, preferably tosyl.

The elimination of the leaving group from the compounds of formula VIII above to yield the corresponding 2,3-double bond compound can be accomplished by treating said compound with a base. Suitable bases include alkali hydrides such as sodium hydride, triethylamine, alkali amides such as sodium amide, alkali alkoxides such as sodium methoxide and potassium tbutoxide. This reaction is expediently effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as ethers, hydrocarbons, e.g. benzene and toluene, dimethylformamide and the like and at temperatures between about 40C to about reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, depending upon the base employed.

In preparing a compound of formula VI above wherein R R and/or R is nitro, it is preferred to prepare these compounds via the dehydration of a compound of formula VII or the elimination of the leaving groups from a compound of formula VIII.

It should be noted that the compound of formula Vlll above is formed as an intermediate in the dehydration of the 2-hydroxy compound of formula VII above when mesyl chloride or tosyl chloride are used as the dehydrating agents. This intermediate can be isolated and the leaving group then eliminated as discussed above to yield the desired compound of formula VI; or, preferably, the dehydration can be permitted to proceed to the desired 1H compound without isolation.

The compounds of formulae I, IV, V and VI above form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with inorganic acids. Thus the compounds of the present invention form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with inorganic acids, i.e., the hydrohalic acids such as hydrochloric acid and hydrobromic acid; and with organic acids such as tartaric acid, citric acid, camphorsulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, formic acid, acetic acid and the like.

The compounds of formulae I, IV, V and VI above, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, are useful as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants and sedatives. Thus these compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used as medicaments. For example, they can be used in the form of pharmaceutical preparations which contain them or their salts in admixtures with a pharmaceutical, organic or inorganic carrier material which is suitable for entcral or parenteral applications such as, for example, water, gelatin, lactose, starches. magnesium stearate, talc. vegetable oils, gum arable, polyalkylenc glycols. Vaseline, etc. The pharmaceutical preparations can be prepared in solid form (e.g., as tablets, dragees, suppositories, capsules) or in liquid form (e.g. as solutions, suspensions, or emulsions). They may be sterilized and- /or contain additives such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, salts for varying the osmotic pressure or buffers. Theycan also contain other therapeutically valuable substances.

The compounds of formulae 1, 1V, V and V1 or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be administered at dosages adjusted to individual requirements and fitted to the pharmaceutical exigencies of the situation. Convenient pharmaceutical dosages are in the range of from about 2 mg. to about 200 mg. per day.

The useful anti-convulsant activity of the compounds of this invention is shown in warm-blooded animals utilizing the standard antimetrazole test. This test was carried out according to the method of Everett and Richard (J.P.E.T., 81:402, 1944). The ED was calculated as the dose which would prevent convulsions in 50 per cent of the mice tested after administration of 125 mg/kg of pentylenetetrazole by the subcutaneous route. Following these test procedures, compounds such as 7-chloro-2-ethy1thio-5-(2-fluoropheny1)-1- methyl-lH-l,4-benzodiazepine (Compound A) and 7- ch1oro-5-(2-f1uoropheny])-1-methyl-1H-l,4- benzodiazepine (Compound B) show an ED of 0.18 and 17.6 mg/kg respectively, indication that these compounds exhibit anit-convulsant activity.

The sedative and muscle relaxant activity of the compounds of the invention are shown using the standard foot shock test. In this test, a pair of mice is confined under a one liter beaker placed on a grid which presents shock to the feet. At least fighting episodes are elicited in a 2-minute period. Pairs of mice are marked and pretreated 1 hour prior to a second shock. Logarithmic dose intervals are utilized upto a maximum of mg/kg. At the 100 percent blocking dose, 3 out of 3 pairs must be blocked from fighting. The measurements are made at the dose level at which 100 percent blocking is observed and the results are expressed as the dose in mg/kg which blocks the fighting response for one hour. Following these test procedures, compound A exhibited a PD of 10 mg/kg and compound B exhibited a PD of 50 mg/kg.

The following examples are illustrative of the present invention. All temperatures are given in degrees centigrade.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-1- methy1-7-nitro-2H- l ,4-benzodiazepine-2-thione A solution of 7 g. (0.021 M) of 1-methy1-5-(2- chlorophenyl)-7-nitro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2( lH)-one* in 70 ml of dry pyridine was treated with 5.1 g. (0.023 M) of phosphorous pentasulfide and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80 for 12 hr and then at 90100 for 2.5 hr. The solution was evaporated to dryness and warmed with 200 ml of dichloromethane, which was filtered and then chromatographed over 200 g of basic alumina. The column was first eluted with 1,500 ml of ether which was discarded, and then with a mixture of ether containing 10% ethyl acetate (v/v). After removal of the solvent the crystalline residue was (*The starting material was prepared according to the procedures set forth in L. H. Sternbach. R. l. Fryer. 0. Keller, W. Methescis. G. Sach. N. Steiger, J. Med. Chem.. 6,261 (1963).)

recrystallized 3 times from methanol to give the abovenarned product as yellow prisrns mp 204206.

A solution of 5 g (0.0128 M) of 7-chloro-1-(2- dicthylaminoethyl)-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1.3-dihydro- 2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one* in 50 m1 of dry pyridine was treated with 7.1 g (0.032 M) of phosphorous pentasulfide. and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50 for 16 hr and at for 22 hr. The solution was cooled. poured into cold water, made basic with sodium hydroxide and extracted with ml of dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness.

(*The starting material was prepared according to the rocedures set forth in L. H. Sternbach, G. A. Archer, J. V. Earley. l. Fryer. E. gtlegelgzfi Wasyliw, L. O. Randall, R. Banziger. J. Med. Chem, 8. 815

The residue. was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed over a column of basic alumina. Elution with l l. of benzene and 2.5 l. of ether gave 0.4 g ofa forerun which was discarded. Using 4 l. of ethyl acetate as the eluant, gave after removal of the solvent the crude product. Half of this material was crystallized from methanol to give the pure thione as yellow prisms, mp 98-100.

Ethanolic hydrogen chloride was added to the other half of the crude base and the-solution was then evaporated to dryness. The residual salt was recrystallized twice from a mixture of methanol and ether to give the monohydrochloride as white prisms, mp 223-225 (sealed tube).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-1H-l ,4- benzodiazepine A solution of 3.0 g (0.01 M) of 7-chloro-1-methy1-5- phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-Z-thione* in 20 ml of dry N,Ndimethylformamide under nitrogen was treated with 0.46 g (0.011 M) of a 57% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil. The reaction'mixture was stirred for 30 min, cooled in an ice bath, and treated with 2.0 g (0.014 M) of methyl iodide. After 1.5 hr, at room temperature, the solution was poured onto ice, and the precipitate was removed by filtration. This was dissolved in 30 ml of dichloromethane, which was washed with 30 ml of water, 20 ml of saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. and evaporated to dryness. The residual oil crystallized on standing and was recrystallized from methanol and then from a mixture of ether and petroleum'ether to give the above-named product as orange prisms, mp 7781.

(The starting material was prepared according to the procedures set forth in G. A. Archer and L. H. Sternhach. J. Org. Chenr. 29. 231 (1964).)

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 7-chloro-2-ethylthio-5-(2-fluoropheny1)-1-methyl-1 H- 1,4-benzodiazepine A solution of 16 g (0.05 M) of 7-chloro-l ,3-dihydro- 5-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 -methyl-2H-l ,4-benzodiazepine- 2-thione* in 40 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was treated with 14.1 ml (0.06 M) of a 4.23 N solution of sodium methoxide in methanol. and after 1 hr the mix-- ture was cooled in an ice bath when 11.7 g (.075 M) of ethyl iodide was added with stirring. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 3 hr, when it was poured into 500 ml of cold water. The precipitate was removed by filtration, and was dissolved in 75 ml of dichloromethane which was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to 30 ml. Methanol was added and the remainder of the dichloromethane was removed on the steam bath. The solution was cooled and filtered. Recrystallization of the product from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol to give the above-named product as red prisms, mp l03-l04.

(*The starting material was prepared according to the procedures set forth in G. A. Archer and L. H. Stembach, J. Org. Chem., 29, 231 (1964).)

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-2-methylthio-7-nitro-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepine A solution of 0.25 g (0.000723 M) of 5-(2- chlorophenyl)-l,3-dihydro-l-methyl-7-nitro-2l-l-l,4- benzodaizepine-Z-thione in 2 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide cooled in an ice bath was treated with 0.34 ml (0.00144 M) of 4.23N sodium methoxide in methanol, and after 20 min., 0.2g(0.00l44 M) of methyl iodide was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr and was then poured into cold water. The mixture was filtered and the precipitate was collected, dissolved in dichloromethane ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was crystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and petroleum ether to give the product as deep red prisms, mp l35140.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 7-chloro-l-methyl-2-methylsulfinyl-5-pheny1-l H-1 ,4- benzodiazepine A solution of 16 g (0.0508 M) of 7-chloro-l-methyl- 5-phenyl-2-methylthio-lH-l,4-benzodiazepine in 200 ml of dichloromethane, cooled in an ice bath, was treated with 12 g (0.059 M) of 85% mchloroperbenzoic acid over a 10 min period with stirring. After 4 hr at room temperature, the reaction mixture was washed with dilute ammonium hydroxide (2 X 150 ml), 100 ml of saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness.

The residual oil was dissolved in 50 ml of dichloromethane and filtered through 200 g of basic alumina. The alumina was eluted with 500 ml of dichloromethane, 800 ml of ethyl acetate and then 600 ml of methanol. The methanol fraction was evaporated and the residue was crystallized from methanol and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and petroleum ether to give the above-named product as orange rods, mp 14815 1 (sealed tube).

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 7-chloro-l-methyl-2-methylsulfonyl-5-phenyl-1H-l ,4- benzodiazepine A solution of 1.0 g (0.00317 M) of 7-chloro-lmethyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthiol l-l-l ,4-benzodiazepine in 20 ml of dichloromethane was stirred and treated with 0.55 g (0.0027 M) of 85% m-chloroperbenzoic acid. After 3 hr, an additional 0.4 g (0.0023 M) of the oxidant was added and the solution was allowed to stir at room temperature for an additional 2 hr. The reaction mixture was washed with dilute ammonium hydroxide (2 X 30 ml), 20 ml of saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residual oil was crystallized from methanol, and the crude product was dissolved in 10 m1 of dichloromethane and filtered through 50 g of basic alumina. Elution with 50 ml of dichloromethane, 200 ml of ether and 150 ml of ethyl acetate gave, after combination of all fractions and removal of solvent, the sulfone. This was recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol to give the analytically pure sample as red prisms, mp l84-188.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 2-bromo-4'-chloro-2'-( 2-fluorobenzoyl )propionanilide A solution of g (0.362 M) of 2-amino-5-chloro-2'- fluorobenzophenone in 650 ml of benzene was treated with 77 g (0.362 M) of 2-bromopropionyl bromide and the reaction was refluxed and stirred for 2 hrs. The reaction was made basic with a dilute solution of potassium carbonate, dichloromethane (300 ml) was added and the organic layer was separated and washed with 300 ml of water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. It was crystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether and then recrystallized from methanol to give the analide as pale yellow rods, mp 7477.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 2-amino-4'-chloro-2 '-(2-fluorobenzoyl )propionanilide A solution of 1 15 g (0.3 M) of 2-bromo-4'-chloro-2- (2-fluorobenzoyl)propionanilide and 5 g (0.03 M) of potassium iodide in 300 ml of dichloromethane was added to 300 ml of liquid ammonia, and the reaction was stirred for 24 hrs using a dry ice condenser. After the ammonia was allowed to evaporate, the solution was washed with 2 X 250 ml of water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 200 ml of benzene and filtered through 500 g of Florisil. It was eluted with 1 l. of dichloromethane and 2 l. of ether to give an oil which still contained some starting material. Elution with 2 l. of ethyl acetate gave a 50/50 mixture of product and the cyclized product obtained in Example 10. Elution with 1 l. of methanol gave an oil which was crystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether, and then recrystallized from a mixture of methanol, ether and petroleum ether to give the desima product as yellow prisms melting at l17l2l.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 7-chlorol ,3-dihydro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-2H- l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one and petroleum ether to give the product as white rods, mp 188191.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)- 2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one A solution of 35.1 g (0.115 M) of 7-chloro-l,3- dihydro--(2-fluoropheny1)-3-methyl-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one in 200 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was treated with 32.6 ml of a 4.23N solution of sodium methoxide in methanol and after 20 min., 24.4 g (0.172 M) of methyl iodide was added slowly with stirring. After 18 hrs. the reaction was poured into 3 l. of ice and water, and made basic with dilute ammonium hydroxide. A precipitate was filtered off, and recrystallized from methanol to give the 1,3-dimethyl derivative as white prisms, mp l22-l27.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 7-chloro-l ,3-dihydro-1 ,3-dimethyl-5-( 2-fluorophenyl)- 2H- 1 ,4-benzodiazepin-Z-thione A solution of4l g (0.13 M) of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydrol,3-dimethyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one in 200 ml of pyridine was treated with 34.6 g (0.156 M) of phosphorous pentasulfide and the reaction was refluxed for 4 hrs and then poured into 1 l. of ice and water. It was made basic with ammonium hydroxide and extracted with dichloromethane (2 X 300 ml) which was then separated and washed with 300 ml of water. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated and filtered through basic alumina. The product was eluted with 1.5 l. of dichloromethane to give after removal of solvent an oil. Elution with 1 l. of ether and 1.5 l. of ethyl acetate gave after removal of solvents an additional amount of the oil. All fractions were combined and crystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether then recrystallized from the same solvents to give the product as white prisms mp 104109.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 7-chloro-l ,3-dimethyl-5-( 2-fluorophenyl)-2- methylthio-l H-l ,4-benzodiazepine A solution of3.3 g (0.01 M) of 7-chloro-l ,3-dihydrol,3-dimethyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-Z-thione in 15 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was treated with 4.8 ml (0.02 M) of 4.23N solution of sodium methoxide in methanol and after 30 min, the mixture was cooled in an ice bath and 2.8 g. (0.02 M) of methyl iodide was added dropwise with stirring. After 18 hrs, it was poured into 150 ml of cold water, filtered and the precipitate was dissolved in 75 m1 of dichloromethane. This was washed with dilute potassium carbonate solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue was crystallized from methanol and recrystallized from methanol once more to give the product as orange prisms, mp l49-l52.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 7-chlorol ,3-dimethyl-5-( 2-fluorophenyl)-2- methylsulfonyl-l H- 1 ,4-benzodiazepine A solution of 2.2 g (0.00634 M) of 7-chloro-l,3- dimethyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthio-1I-l-l,4 benzodiazepine in 30 ml of dichloromethane was cooled in an ice bath and then treated with 2.9 g (0.014 M) of m-chloroperbenzoic acid. After 18 hrs, the reaction mixture was poured into ml of dichlorometh ane, which was then washed with 75 ml of 10% potassium carbonate solution, water (2 X 75 ml), a saturated solution of brine (75 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed and the residue crystallized from methanol and then recrystallized from CH OH to give the pure product as yellow prisms, mp l38-l40.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 7-chlorol 2-diethylaminoethyl )-5-( 2-fluorophenyl 2-methylthio-l H-l ,4-benzodiazepine A solution of 0.5 g (0.0012 M) of 7-chloro-l-(2- diethylaminoethyl)-l ,3-dihydro-5-'( Z-fluorophenyl 2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-thione in 4 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was cooled in an ice bath and treated with 0.56 ml (0.0024 M) ofa 4.23N sodium methoxide solution in methanol. After 30 min., 0.34 g (0.0024 M) of methyl iodide was added with stirring and the reaction was allowed to stand for 18 hrs at room temperature. It was then poured into ml of a water and ice mixture, and the red gum was separated and dissolved in 50 ml of dichloromethane which was washed with 30 ml of a saturated brine solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness.

The residue was dissolved in 3 ml of dichloromethane and developed on a silica gel thick layer plate in ethyl acetate. The red product was scraped off the plate. stirred with methanol and filtered. The filtrates were evaporated, dissolved in dichloromethane and filtered and evaporated to give the analytically pure product as a red oil.

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 7-chloro-5-( 2-fluorophenyl)- 1 -methyl- 1 H- 1 ,4- benzodiazepine A mixture of 1 g of 7-chloro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1- methyl-2-thioethyl-lH-l,4-benzodiazepine, 10 g of Raney nickel, 20 ml of diethylamine and 20 ml of benzene was stirred at room temperatures for 6 hrs. under nitrogen. The residue obtained after filtration and evaporation was chromatographed on 30 g of silica gel treated with diethylamine in hexane. The red resin eluted with 10% ether in hexane was crystallized from ether/hexane to yield the product as dark red crystals mp 130-l42.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthiol H- l ,4- benzodiazepine Tablet Formulation mg/Tablet 7-Chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-Z-methylthio-l H-l ,4-benzodiazepine 25 Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, unmilled Corn Starch 24 Magnesium Stearate 1 Total Weight 225 mg Procedure 1. 7-Chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-1H 1,4- benzodiazepine and corn starch were mixed together and passed through a No. screen in Model J Fitzmill with hammers forward.

2. This premix was then mixed with dicalcium phosphate and one-half of the magnesium stearate, passed through a No. 1A screen in Model J Fitzmill with knives forward, and slugged.

3. The slugs were passed through a No. 2A plate in a Model D Fitzmill at slow speed with knives forward, and the remaining magnesium stearate was added.

4. The mixture was mixed and compressed.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 7-chloro-l -methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-1 H-1 ,4- benzodiazepine Capsule Formulation mg/Capsule 7-Chlorol -methyl-S-phenyl-2-methylthio- 11-1-1 ,4-benzodiazepine 2' Lactose. USP I73 Corn Starch. USP 30 Talc, USP 5 Total Weight 210 mg Procedure EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 7-chloro-1-methy1-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-lH-l ,4-

benzodiazepine Suppository Formulation Per 1.3 gm. Suppository 7-Chloro-l-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-lH-l,4-benzodiazepine 0.025 gm. Wecobee M* 1.230 gm. Carnauba Wax 0.045 gm.

E. F. Drcw Co.

522 Fifth Avenue. New York. New York Procedure 1. The Wecobee M and the carnauba wax were melted in a suitable size glass'lincd container (stainless steel may also be used), mixed well and cooled to 45C. 2. 7-Chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-1H-l ,4-

benzodiazepine which had been reduced to a fine EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-l H-1 ,4- benzodiazepine Tablet Formulation mg/Tablet 7-Chloro- 1 -methy1-5-phenyl-2-methylthiolH'l ,4-benzodiazepine l0 Lactose. USP 202 Corn Starch, USP Calcium Stearate 8 Amijel 8011* 20 Total Weight 320 mg.

A prchydrolyzcd food grade corn starch. Any similar prchydrolyzed corn starch may be used. Purchased from: Corn Products Co.

10 East 56th Street New York. New York Procedure l. 7-Chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2-methylthio-lH-l ,4-

benzodiazepine, lactose, corn starch, and Amijel B011 were blended in a suitable mixer.

2. The mixture was granulated to a heavy paste with water and the moist mass was passed through a No. 12 screen. It was then dried overnight at F.

3. The dried granules were passed through a No. 16

screen and transferred to a suitable mixer. The calcium stearate was added and mixed until uniform.

4. The mixture was compressed at a tablet weight of 320 mg. using tablet punches having a diameter of approximately /8 inch. (Tablets may be either flat or biconvex and may be scored if desired.)

EXAMPLE 21 1. Dissolve 7-chlor0- l -methyl-5-phenyl-2- methylthio-lH-l ,4-benzodiazepinc in 15 ml of benzyl alcohol.

2. Add 400 ml propylene glycol and ml of ethanol.

3. Add sodium acetate and acetic acid previously dissolved in water for injection.

4. Add sufficient water for injection to bring volume to 1,000 ml. 5. Filter through No. 02 Selas candle, fill into glass ampuls, gas with nitrogen and seal. 6. Autoclave at 10 psi for 30 minutes.

EXAMPLE 22 In analogy to the procedures set forth in Examples 17 through 21 above, capsule, suppository, tablet and parenteral formulations can be prepared using as the additive ingredient:

5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-2-methylthio-7-nitro- 1H-l,4benzodiazepine 7-chloro-2-ethylthio-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-l-methyllH-l ,4-benzodiazepine 7-chloro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-l-methyll H-1 ,4-

benzodiazepine EXAMPLE 23 In analogy to the procedures set forth in Examples 17 through above, capsule, suppository, and tablet formulations can be prepared using as the active'ingredients: 1

7-chloro-1-methyl-2-methylsulfonyl-5-phenyl-1H- l,4-benzodiazcpine and 7-chloro-l -methyI-Z-methylsulfinyl-S-phenyl-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepine.

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 7-Chloro-l-methy|-2-methylsulfinyl-S-phenyl-1H-1,4-

- benzodiazepine Parenteral Formulation mg/ml 7-chloro-l-methyl-2-methylsulfinyl- 5-phenyl-lHl,4-benzodia2epine 1 Propylene Glycol 0.4 ml Benzyl Alcohol 0015 ml Ethanol, USP 0.105 ml Water for injection q.s. to 1 ml Sodium Acetate 1.4 Acetic Acid Glacial 0.6

EXAMPLE 25 In analogy to the procedures set forth in Example 24, a parenteral formulation can be prepared using as the active ingredient:

7-chloro-1-methyl-2-methylsulfonyl-S-phenyl-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepine.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of 7-chloro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-lH-1,4- benzodizepine A mixture of 4.5 g of 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-5-(2- fluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy- 1 -methyl-l H- l ,4- benzodizepine (prepared by reduction of the corresponding 2-one with lithium aluminum hydride), 50 ml of benzene, 30 ml of pyridine and 3 ml of mesyl chloride was refluxed for 10 minutes and then poured on 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution. The benzene layer was separated,dried and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in toluene, filtered through alumina and evaporated azeotropically to remove the pyridine. Crystallization of the residue from ether yielded red crystals which were further purified by chromatogra phy in g of silica gel using 5% ethyl acetate in ethylene chloride. Pure fractions were crystallized from ether to give the above-named product, mp 139-l42.

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 7-chlorol -methyl-5-phenyll H-l ,4-benzodiazepine This compoundwas obtained as described above in Example 26 from the reaction of 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro- 2-hydroxy-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-l ,4-benzodiazepine with mesyl chloride or tosyl chloride in pyridine. Crystallization of chromatographically purified material from hexane yielded red product with mp 7679.

We claim:

1. A compound of formula wherein R and R are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl and nitro;

R is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower cycloalkyllower alkyl, and di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl;

R is hydrogen or lower alkyl;

R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and halogen, and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R is chlorine and is located at the 7-position of the benzodiazepine moiety, R is hydrogen, R is methyl, R is hydrogen and R is fluorine located at the ortho position of the S-phenyl ring, i.e. a compound of the formula 7-chloro- 5-( 2-fluorophenyl 1 -methyl- 1 l-l-l ,4-benzodiazepine. 

1. A COMPOUND OF FORMULA
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R1 is chlorine and is located at the 7-position of the benzodiazepine moiety, R2 is hydrogen, R3 is methyl, R5 is hydrogen and R6 is fluorine located at the ortho position of the 5-phenyl ring, i.e. a compound of the formula 7-chloro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine. 